Teacup - you nailed it. I used to manage several federal formula grant programs and had to write those every year but that part became easier as it was just updating. We had to design a process for the subgrantees which included guiding them on all the items you mentioned above. And sometimes the approval amounts have a political component. Also will reiterate - follow the rules of the application process of the organizations you are applying to to a "T". Good luck